Thursday, May 5, 2011

Fidelity Bank pushes for redesigning cities

Mr. Edward Effah, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Ghana, says government needs to seek ways of partnering with all stakeholders and professionals to bring their expertise to bear in the planning and development of the country's cities.

“The bank will continue to be at the forefront in ensuring that such effective collaboration among the different stakeholders is forged to deliver services that transform the lives of the people.”

Mr. Effah made this statement at a forum in Accra on the theme “Towards Building a Sustainable and Livable and Competitive Global City”, which attracted policy makers, government officials, planners, architects and members of the financial industry.

The programme was meant to host the Singaporean delegation in the country to explore investment opportunities in development and planning of the country's cities.

It was also aimed at partnering with Asian business executives to explore ways in which Ghanaian city authorities can leverage on the experience of Singapore in planning and building sustainable and liveable cities.

Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, Chairman National Development Planning Commission, explained that long-term planning is important for the success of sustainable liveable cities.

He indicated that the knowledge and experience acquired by the Singaporean team will go a long way to help shape Ghana's city authorities’ vision in transforming the country's cities.

Mr. Alfred Vanderpiuje, the Mayor of Accra, in a statement read on his behalf said development of drains to improve water-flow and reduce the incidence of flooding is a key priority of the Assembly.

“There are also plans to improve the traffic situation in the city through a new synchronised traffic management system and high-speed monorail, as well as interchanges to ease transportation in the city.

“The AMA is also dealing with the liquid waste situation through resuscitation of the six damaged pumps, and is in the process of getting an Environmental Impact Assessment report to close down lavender hill in Accra,” he said.

“The success of any city development programme hinges on government policy and a clear and unambiguous vision of what was needed,” Professor Liu Thai Ker, Director of RSP Architects Planners and Engineers professional practices in Singapore said.

“Any planning must take into consideration long-term conditions and preservation of the environment and historical sites.”

Prof. Ker proposed a plan that would connect the three cities of Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi as one, instead of adopting different approaches in enhancing and building facilities.

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